Quem é o “meu” Próximo?

: educar para uma cultura de cuidado e de compromisso, a partir da unidade letiva Construir Fraternidade do programa de EMRC

Abstract

This report is entitled “Who is “my” neighbor?” - Educate for a culture of care and commitment, based on the teaching unit “Building Fraternity” of the EMRC program”. The same results from the Supervised Teaching Practice. The central theme of the unit is Fraternity and the challenges that society has to overcome in order to conquer a more humanitarian and solidary humanity, towards its “neighbour”. The technocratic era that we are living in is a great challenge for society, as it diverts us from true affections of commitment and interest with “our brother” and prevents us from being participating actors in our society, which interferes with the promotion of change. We are given over to absurd selfishness and consumerism, which compromise true fraternal ties. However, we must bear in mind that divine love is crucial, thus generating the true essence of humanity and making us reflect the origin of our existence, "For in Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him (Col 1,16)».It is important to understand that personal transcendence is what motivates us, it is what brings us closer to God, because only then can there be a solidary humanity, attracted by the truth, moved by the service of fraternal humanism and Christian charity. This transformation requires us to change our attitudes, which imply gratitude, gratuitousness, and the common good. As far as ecological conversion is concerned, we must understand it not as a merely human system, but as an encounter with God, which brings about a grace-filled transformation in our hearts and minds. The encyclicals Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti and Caritas in Veritate invite us to journey with faith towards a better world with greater solidarity. And, in this report, the consultation of the encyclicals was fundamental to solidify and give “body”, with consistency, to the concept of fraternity. It is urgent to establish a universal fraternity, to live in a stable way, that is, with greater security and to become experts in reciprocal acceptance, in dialogue, becoming agents of peace. It is urgent to imagine and experience a new culture, in all spheres of social life: in the family, in politics and in the economy.

Date of Award	26 Apr 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Isabel Pereira Varanda (Supervisor)